Mark Yinka Orabiyi, the Nigerian-British singer and songwriter known professionally as Talay Riley, has died at the age of 35 after being stabbed in East London.
The incident took place around 9 a.m. on Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown, according to local news outlets.
Emergency services were called to the scene following reports of a stabbing. Despite efforts by paramedics, the Grammy winner could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police’s Specialist Crime Command have launched a murder investigation into the incident. No arrests have been confirmed at this time. Police have appealed for witnesses and urged anyone with information, dashcam, or mobile footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward.
Talay Riley, born Mark Yinka Orabiyi, was a Nigerian-British artist recognized for his work as both a singer and songwriter. His death has sent shockwaves through the UK music community and the Nigerian diaspora. Tributes from fans and fellow artists began circulating online shortly after news of his death broke.
The Metropolitan Police said a crime scene remained in place on Pankhurst Avenue as forensic officers carried out inquiries. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.
Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances leading to the stabbing. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting CAD reference numbers provided by the Met, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
